Accessibility Compliance Implementation for WCAG 2.1 AA

[JamesEjembi]

Problem Statement

The dashboard must be accessible to users with visual, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Implement full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance across all components: proper ARIA landmarks, keyboard navigation, sufficient color contrast, visible focus indicators, and screen reader announcements.

Technical Bounds

• WCAG 2.1 AA: 50 success criteria across Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
• Automated testing: axe-core in CI; fail build on critical/serious violations.
• Keyboard: full keyboard navigation for all interactive elements; visible focus outline.
• Contrast: text >= 4.5:1, large text >= 3:1, non-text components >= 3:1.
• Screen reader: ARIA live regions for dynamic content, proper heading hierarchy, form error announcements.

Steps

1. Run axe-core audit on all pages; document findings in accessibility report.
2. Add ARIA landmarks: <nav aria-label="Main navigation">, <main>, <aside aria-label="Sidebar">.
3. Ensure all interactive elements have visible focus indicators (outline: 2px solid).
4. Fix color contrast issues: use accessible palette, verify with contrast checker tool.
5. Add screen reader announcements: role="alert" for errors, aria-live="polite" for live updates.
6. Add WCAG compliance statement and accessibility feedback link in footer.